Durham Family Chiropractic

Health and Wellbeing

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Chiropractic for Equestrians by our guest blogger

Horse Riders seem to have that canny ability to put their horse’s needs above their own. I know many horse riders who will have the osteopath or chiropractor out to their horse on a regular basis, but when it comes to their own aches and pains, they are strangely reluctant.

I have received regular chiropractic treatment over the years and have found that this has really benefited my riding position, as well has helping with pain and injury after riding altercations….yes, horses can be dangerous and you can get hurt when you and your horse have a difference in opinion!  I think that my chiropractor Stuart Bennett must just shake his head when I walk in after another riding accident, smelling of horse and generally filthy!!

Let me tell you a bit more about my background, I first sat on a pony when I was 18 months old and that was where my love affair with all things horses began. I have now been riding for about sixteen years and have regularly competed in Pony Club Area and Championship events over the last few years. I have also worked as a groom for a couple of event yards and currently work as a groom and volunteer as a show rider at Kynren, in Bishop Auckland, whilst I finish my college course. I have two horses of my own, purchasing Max, my Irish Sports Horse recently with my hard earned wages. He is my little project and I am hoping to compete him at BE100 by the end of summer. All in all, I get to muck out up to 20 horses a day and ride 6 to 8 so, hopefully my personal opinion and experience counts for something.

It makes logical sense to me that if you are unable to sit correctly on your horse due to pain or muscle tension, then you are going to be constantly stressing your horse’s back which will only cause them to have problems as well. All riding requires a good upright posture, with shoulders back and no slouching. You need to maintain nice soft arms in order to have good soft contact. If you have a load of tension through your shoulders, this is simply not going to happen! [Read more…] about Chiropractic for Equestrians by our guest blogger

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Walking Fit

 May is National Walking Month, so whether it is a walk in the park, or hike in the hills, enjoy the health benefits of walking and make every step count!

So, whatever the weather, get yourself and your family outdoors to enjoy our beautiful countryside. Not only is walking simple and free, it is also one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight (if needed) and become healthier. Walking is ideal for all age groups and all levels of fitness, what a great way to spend some healthy familytime!

According to the NHS, “Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers.”

 It is recommended by the NHS that you start slowly and try to build your walking regime gradually. To get the best health benefits from walking, it needs to be of moderate-intensity activity. In other words, it needs to be faster than a stroll.

Set yourself a goal and try to walk 10,000 steps a day, if you would like to track this and don’t have a smart watch, there are some fun apps available as a free download.  [Read more…] about Walking Fit

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Top Tips to Combat Hayfever Naturally

Nature can be cruel! Just when we are over the worst that Winter has to offer looking forward to the Spring sunshine, those suffering with seasonal “hayfever” allergies, are probably sighing and stocking up on their tissue supplies. Thankfully nature also provides us with, natural remedies, and natural ingredients that can provide some relief from hay-fever symptoms and help to prevent their return.

Sneezing, running nose, and itchy eyes, nose and throat can be a miserable problem for those suffering from hay-fever (allergic rhinitis) and the figures are rising, as 20% of the population are now affected by allergic rhinitis (Allergy The Unmet Need)

The chief reasons for seasonal change allergies are airborne dander, dust-mites, feathers, moulds, and pollen. The immune system of sufferers overreacts to the normally harmless particles in the air. The airborne pollens cause the body to produce antibodies, and it releases a natural substance called histamine. Histamine irritates the upper respiratory passages (nose, throat, eyes and sinus), resulting in swelling and other hay-fever symptoms.

[Read more…] about Top Tips to Combat Hayfever Naturally

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What’s the Crack? by Dr Stuart Bennett

As chiropractors we are often asked this question. We are apparently infamous for cracking backs and necks.

Stuart Bennet chiropractor explains –  What is a crack or a pop? Because quite simply,

We don’t crack bones,

We do adjust joints

The joints we adjust are usually synovial (two bones or more with a joint capsule), which basically contain fluid. This fluid helps to protect your joints acting as a shock absorber.

This fluid absorbs gases from the body,(mostly CO2 and Nitrogen) and when we adjust a joint, we stretch that joint capsule and a small amount of the gas is released and makes a ‘popping’ sound (just like opening a bottle of pop).

Sometimes this popping sound is loud, sometimes quiet and sometimes no sound is made at all.

So here is the secret

  • The crack has nothing to do with what we as chiropractors do.
  • We adjust to increase mobility, stimulate the neurology and realign the spine.
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Are there health benefits to eating chocolate?

 We often hear about the negative effect chocolate can have on our bodies, but we don’t often hear about the health benefits that chocolate has. Of course, chocolate can be bad for you if you eat it in large amounts, but chocolate in moderation can have its benefits.

Chocolate can:

  • Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure: ‘’Chocolate may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure.” This is because it reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) which is also known as bad cholesterol.
  • Improve blood flow to the brain: ‘’Scientists at Harvard Medical School have suggested that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day could help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people.’’ This is because chocolate can reduce or prevent damage to the nerve pathways in the brain and studies are being done to see the effects of this in reducing diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke: Studies have shown that eating chocolate can reduce the risks of developing heart disease and stroke

[Read more…] about Are there health benefits to eating chocolate?

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Health Benefits of Gardening

Protect your back whilst enjoying the health benefits of pottering in your garden.

 

It is that time of the year that the sun is starting to shine and the surrounding countryside is full of  golden daffodils, fragrant blossoms and bouncing lambs. Just the motivation needed to get ourselves outdoors and start think about our own gardening needs and jobs. [Read more…] about Health Benefits of Gardening